Sharps, such as medical needles, syringes, and lancets pose a problem for collection crews when they are improperly mixed with trash or recyclables. Sharps are a significant health concern for all workers who handle solid waste whether at the curb, the landfill, or the recycling facility. All needle stick injuries require workers to undergo extensive testing, pose serious disease risks and can cause long-term emotional stress.

Households are required to safely package sharps for proper disposal and should not put sharps in the landfill.

• Sharps - any needles, scalpels, or other articles that could cause wounds or punctures to personnel handling them
• Needles – hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin
• Syringes – devices used to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body
• Lancets, also called “fingerstick” devices – instruments with a short, two-edged blade used to get drops of blood for testing. Lancets are commonly used in the treatment of diabetes
• Auto Injectors, including epinephrine and insulin pens – syringes prefilled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body
• Infusion sets – tubing systems with a needle used to deliver drugs to the body
• Connection needles/sets – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body. This is generally used for patients on home hemodialysis

Sharps disposal:

• Place needles, syringes, lancets and other sharp objects in a hard plastic or metal container (like a coffee can or a heavy-duty plastic household container, such as a laundry detergent container can be used as an alternative) 
• Seal lid with heavy-duty tape and label container as "needles" before setting it out with your trash 
• Do not place can or bottle in with your recyclables container
• Do not put sharp objects in any container that will be recycled or returned to a store
• Do not use glass or clear plastic containers 
• Keep containers with sharp objects out of reach of young children 

You can check with local hospitals to see if they have programs to collect used needles and syringes. Many area pharmacies and clinics dispose of used medical needles for their patients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they have a program for the proper disposal of medical needles.

Alternatively, medication and sharps can be brought to  the Household Special Waste Depot. 

Other medical waste disposal:

• Place soiled bandages, disposable sheets, medical gloves in a securely fastened plastic bag before setting out with your garbage.